Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A six-game losing skid and 3-5-0-2 in their last 10 games. Already 16 points back of the Penticton Vees, who are averaging almost six goals a game and just got back their captain, Logan Johnston, from a 25-game suspension in time to ambush the Chilliwack Chiefs 9-0 Saturday night.

The defending B.C. Hockey League champion Vernon Vipers were in unfamiliar territory and their fans were getting restless. Enough embarrassment. Time to make a change.

Head coach/GM Jason Williamson pulled off a major deal on Grey Cup Sunday, plucking the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s second leading scorer Ben Gamache from the Okotoks Oilers.

The Vipers gave up secondyear winger Marcus Basara of Coquitlam (6-11-17) and rookie winger Connor Hartley of Red Deer (0-3-3), both 18-year-olds, along with future considerations. Hartley played four games with Okotoks as an affiliate player last year.

“This was obviously an extremely tough decision to move Ben Gamache who is a great hockey player and was very well respected in our community, but a decision that we felt was necessary for the betterment of the team and for Ben,” said Oilers’ head coach James Poole, on the team’s website.

“We look at this move as a positive change for Ben and for our hockey team. Ben will be going to another great organization in the Vernon Vipers and will get a fresh start to achieving his personal goals.”

Gamache, 20, racked up 20 goals, 45 points and 115 penalty minutes in 32 games with the twotime defending Southern Division champion Oilers, who are fourth at 14-17-0-1 this season.

The 5-foot-8, 195-pounder was co-captain of the 2008 Telus Cup national Midget title-holding Notre Dame Hounds with Patrick McGillis, now captain of the Vipers. He pocketed 37 goals and 86 points in his first two years in Okotoks.

“I was kind of surprised and kind of happy,” said Gamache, as he rode around town Monday with McGillis trying to find his billets’ house. “I needed a new site and a new place to play and after one day here, I already like it.”

Gamache rushed from Kelowna International Airport to Wesbild Centre for part of the Vipers’ practice Monday morning.

Williamson saw Gamache play with Notre Dame when the Vipers were recruiting McGillis and Drew George (traded two months into his rookie year).

“We knew what kind of player we were getting,” said Williamson. “He’s an energy guy who plays hard and is captain material (also wore the C for Okotoks). He competes and he can score and he’s a 20-year-old; he’s just what we need right now. You could tell at practice this morning that he’s a good all-round player. He’s a pretty smart player who is good on the defensive side and can really go on offence.”

The Vipers now have four 20-year-olds and are allowed six. Gamache makes his Viper debut tonight in Penticton against the first-place Vees, who at 21-3-0-2, are rated No. 4 in the nation.

Gamache, who plays summer hockey with McGillis in Calgary, will earn his shower every night wearing Basara’s old No. 17. “I hope to bring leadership,” said Gamache, who hails from the small, former mill town of Longlac in northwestern Ontario. “I’m a pretty physical, in-yourface guy who goes to the greasy areas. The front of the net is my spot. I’m the kind of player whon bangs away at loose pucks. I just want to help out this team in any way I can.”

The amiable Gamache, a Montreal Canadiens’ fan whose first language is French, comes with high praise from McGillis. “He’s hard-nosed and wears his heart on his sleeve,” said McGllis. “He’s not afraid to mix it up and he’s good on the forecheck. We’re a young team so he will bring experience and a lot of energy while leading by example. He’ a real honest player.”

Gamache, whose parents now live and work in Yorkton, Sask., enjoys racing snowmobiles on the more than 4,000 kilometres of trails back home in Ontario. He also likes ice fishing, hunting and handling remote model airplanes. “You can go for years if you want,” he joked about snowmobiling in Longlac.

He played a lot of baseball (shortstop) in high school and now plays fastball in the summers. His cousin, Trevor Gamache, plays university hockey for the Lakehead Timberwolves in Thunder Bay.

The Vipers bowed 3-2 to the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in overtime, before 1,220 fans Saturday night at the Sunwave Centre. It was the second straight OT loss to the Gorillas in as many nights.

Adam Tambellini, with his 11th goal of the year, and Aaron Hadley, with the 2-2 equalizer midway through the third period (his fourth), handled the Vipers’ offence in front of Kirby Halcrow. Shane Hanna and Garrett Hendrickson, two of three players the SilverBacks obtained from the Vees in exchange for top scorer Bryce Gervais, both with their second goals of the season, gave Salmon Arm a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes. Vernon outshot the Gorillas 36-26 with Kurt Williams earning the win and third star. The SilverBacks are four points back of fifth-place Chilliwack.

“We couldn’t put the puck in the net,” said McGillis, who was scheduled to view results of an MRI on his ankle Tuesday. “We deserved a better fate, but sometimes when you’re losing, you don’t get the bounces.”

SNAKE BITES: The Vipers were without key d-men Ryan Renz and Luke Juha, both suffering from concussions...The Woodstock Slammers of the Manitoba League and Spruce Grove Saints are ranked one-two in the CJHL...The Vees have six players in the top-10 scoring, led by Minnesota product Connor Reilly, with 22 goals and 49 points...The second-place Merritt Centennials, who are five points in front of the Vipers, visit Wesbild Friday night.

The Vipers make their second visit of the season to the South Okanagan Events Centre riding a six game losing streak. The Vipers who are 1-3 against the league leading Penticton Vees this year have made two trades this week heading into the BCHL card deadline (Thursday). This is the second game of a mini two game road trip for Vernon before playing a home and home with the Merritt Centennials this weekend. Newcomer Ben Gamache is supose to make his Vipers debut tonight.

The league leading Penticton Vees come into tonight's game riding a nine game winning streak facing the Vipers for a second time within a week. Penticton defeated Vernon 6-1 last Wednesday in Vernon. Tonight is the Vees second and final game of a mini two game home stand before the club hits the road for the next six games. Penticton plays six of its next nine on the road. The Vees with just one loss on home ice face a Vernon team that is 500 away from home in one of the oldest rivalries in the BCHL.

While Vernon Vipers captain Patrick McGillis and defenceman, Luke Juha are out of the Vipers lineup due to injuries the Vipers had to fill the void bringing in and signing forwards, Peter McMullen and Brendan Persley. With the BCHL card deadline looming (Thursday) the Vipers have to re-sign-add McGillis and Juha back to the Vipers roster wich ment two players had to be traded. The first trade came Sunday when the Vipers sent second year Viper forward, Marcus Basara, rookie forward, Connor Hartley and future considerations to the AJHL Okotoks Oilers for Oilers captain and leading scorer, Ben Gamache. Yesterday the Vipers then sent rookie forward, Alex Hagen to the Surrey Eagles for future considerations.

Im not surprised to see Alex Hagen shipped out for just future considerations. Hagen who looked good during the Vipers training camp and pre-season schedule never really followed through into the BCHL regular season. Hagen who scored lots during the pre-season didnt really stand out in the regular season. Hagen and Hartley are two Viper recruits that never lasted the full season. I was expecting alot more from Hagen, for a kid who has some wheels and at times some scoring touch Hagen just never really got his game going in a Viper uniform. Lets hope a move to Surrey will help Alex pick up his game and make him a better hockey player. All the best in Surrey Alex!

With the Vipers now back at a 21 man roster it will be interesting to see if Jason Williamson pulls off any more trades before Thursday's BCHL card deadline. Ive said it a few times now and I think the Vipers need to add-bring in atleast two veteran defenceman. Vernon has a young blueline and needs some veteran experience to bolster the teams backend. Will we see a move before Thursday? Only time will tell.

The ECHL Colorado Eagles have released former Vernon Vipers tryout forward, Troy Ofukany. Ofukany signed with Colorado in early October and was released on October, 19th 2011. Ofukany attended the 2004-05 Vernon Vipers training camp, playing in a few exibition games before leaving the Vipers, & signing with the WHL Kelowna Rockets that season.

Ofukany (6-foot, 195-pounds) was in his fourth professional season after four years in the WHL that included a league championship with the Kelowna Rockets in 2004-05. He registered 149 points (66-83-149) in 265 WHL games, and has added 49 points (25-24-49) in 111 games in the CHL while playing with the Wichita Thunder & Odessa Jackalopes.

After a six game losing streak, back to back losses vs Salmon Arm and the BCHL card deadline this Thursday you knew the Vipers would pull off a deal or two and try and improve their hockey club.

Sunday the Vipers aquired the AJHL's second leading scorer, Ben Gamache who is the Okotoks leading scorer and captain. I really like this trade. The Vipers have a very young team and I think need some veteran experience and leadership if they want to compete with the league's top teams as well as make a good run in the playoffs. With already 45 pts in just 32 games Gamache is the proven goal scorer the Vipers have been needing over the last few years and especially this season. Its been since the 200708 season when Vernon had Hunter Bishop who led the team in scoring with (57-40-97) the last time the Vipers had a goal scorer.

I think now the team needs to go out and pick up atleast two veteran defenceman to bolster their blueline. The Vipers went with a young backend and it's showen at times this season. Vernon has alot of younger kids that they can afford to trade and aquire a few veteran d-men.

In order to aquire Ben Gamache the Vipers had to trade rookie forward, Connor Hartley and second year Viper forward, Marcus Basara. Hartley who was recruited by the Vipers collected just three assists this season. From training camp and into the season I didnt see a whole lot in Hartley, in most games the young rookie was unnoticable. Maybe a change playing for a new team and playing back home (Alberta) will be the best for the young kid. I wish Connor all the best with the Oilers. Im really going to miss Marcus Basara, from day one Basara was always a favorite, this kid has some quick wheels, and can be a playmaker at times. Basara's only problem is he just hasnt found the back of the net as often as I thought he would. On most night's Basara setup-created alot of the Vipers scoring opportunities but didnt score alot of goals. With just 18 goals so far in two seasons with the Vipers I think Vernon could afford to deal away a young kid like Basara for a proven goal scorer. I wish Marcus all the best with Okotoks.

With the Vipers still needing to sign Patrick McGillis and Luke Juha and add both players back to the Vipers roster, the Vipers still have one more player to trade so both McGillis and Juha can be re-signed. You can bet Jason Williamson isnt done tinkering with his lineup and we will see atleast one maybe two trades before the BCHL card deadline.

107.5 Kiss FM sports director, Rob Abramenko sit's down one on one with several Vernon Vipers talking about their 'staches' and thoughts on who has the best mo, the ugliest one and who should just give up.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Braden Pimm is one of twenty four players named in this week's Hockey East weekly top performers. Pimm recorded his first-career three-point game (1g,2a) in the victory at Michigan on Friday. Pimm in his second season with the Huskies, played three years in Vernon from (2007-2010).

This was posted on the Hockey East website:

Hockey East Team of The Week:

The Huskies picked up their first non-conference win of the year with a convincing 4-1 victory at No. 11 Michigan on Friday night at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor. Northeastern scored all four goals in the final two periods and went 1-for-3 on the power play.

107.5 Kiss FM just reported this morning that the Vipers have traded second year forward, Marcus Basara & rookie forward, Connor Hartley to the AJHL Okotoks Oilers for 20 year old captain and leading scorer, Ben Gamache. In 32 regular season games this year Gamache has (20-25-45) and is the second leading scorer in the AJHL.

The CHL Tulsa Oilers have released former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Jon Olthuis. Olthuis who recently signed with the Oilers back in early November played in just one game before being released. Olthuis played two seasons in Vernon (2004-2006) going (45-16-2) in 67 regular season games with the Vipers. Olthuis played last
season with the SPHL Augusta RiverHawks & the CHL Dayton Gems.

TULSA, OK – The Tulsa Oilers signed goaltender Mike Garman and released goaltender Jon Olthuis, the team announced Thursday. Garman started the season with the Colorado Eagles of the ECHL and appeared in two games.

Garman, a 24-year old from Vail, Colorado, spent the last three years playing collegiate hockey at Cornell University. During his junior season, Garman appeared in 19 games for the Red and finished the year with an 8-8-1 record to go along with a 2.21 goals against average. Garman graduated from Cornell in just three years and decided to forego his senior season to start his professional career. He was signed by Colorado in September.

Before his time at Cornell, Garman played three seasons of junior hockey, one with the Springfield Blues of the NAHL and two seasons with the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL. During the 2007-08 season, Garman backstopped the Clippers to the regular season title and finished the campaign with a record of 23-11.

“Mike is a young guy with an impressive resume,” said Oilers Head Coach Bruce Ramsay. “He’s played at a very high level of college hockey and he was extremely successful as a junior goalie. He’s a great addition to our club and I’m looking forward to seeing him perform well at the CHL level.”

The Oilers are back on the ice tomorrow night for a home game against Wichita at 7:35pm. The Oilers and Thunder will meet again Saturday night in Wichita at 7:05pm.

Tickets: Season tickets for the Oilers 20th season in the CHL are now on sale. More information is available by calling the Oilers office at (918) 632-PUCK (7825) or by visiting http://www.tulsaoilers.com/

The BCHL hit the one-third pole in the 2011/12 season this week and the action is already heating up as this year’s playoff race is setting up to be as intense as it’s ever been given the current state of parity and the fact only the top four teams in each conference will qualify for the post-season this year.

Heading into this weekend’s action, 14 of the league’s 16 teams were either in a playoff position or within four points of a playoff position.

So as the teams head for the halfway point, even this early in the season, every night points are as valuable as they’ve ever been.

INTERIOR CONFERENCE

Penticton Vees

The Vees have simply been dominant this year. They lead the league with 5.05 goals for per game and are tied for third in the league with only 3.00 goals against per game. At home, they are 8-0-0-1 where they have also outscored their opponents 49-19.

Vernon Vipers

The Vipers have quietly gone about their business this year and, despite a slight regress from last year, are still the second best team in the league and one of the best in the country. While they have earned 13 wins in 18 games, the Vees otherworldly play has overshadowed Vernon’s quality start.

Merritt Centennials

With a 9-1-0-1 record in its past 11 games, the red-hot Centennials have catapulted themselves into the upper echelon of the conference. Over that span only three wins were by more than one goal and four wins came in overtime but there finding ways to win.

Chilliwack Chiefs

The Chiefs have kept themselves in a playoff position thanks to the three-headed offensive monster that is Derek Huisma, David Bondra and Malcolm Gould. While none of them have been world-beaters, they each have 18 points and have Chilliwack four games above the .500-mark.

Prince George Spruce Kings

The Spruce Kings paltry road record of 1-5-1-2 is what has kept them from moving into a playoff position. At home, they have seven wins in 10 games. If they can get a few more points on the road, they’ll push for a playoff spot.

Westside Warriors

After a decent start to the season, in which the Warriors were one game above .500 through nine games, winning just two of their last 10 has Westside slipping towards the bottom of the standings.

Salmon Arm SilverBacks

The Silverbacks have yet to really gain any traction so far this year. They have been average at home (4-4-0-4) and below average on the road (2-5-0-1). Their 3.90 goals against average is fourth worst in the league.

Trail Smoke Eaters

It’s been a tough year for Trail as they have just three wins in 20 games. They’ve given up 5.25 goals against per game and scored just 2.40 goals per game. Clayton Chessa leads the team with 16 points in 19 games.

COASTAL CONFERENCE

Cowichan Valley Capitals

Somehow the Capitals just get wins. Statistically, they aren’t really at the top of any category, their special teams have been middling and they don’t have a scorer in the league’s top 15. Yet, with six wins in their last seven games, they’re on top of the conference and that’s all that matters.

Surrey Eagles

Despite only scoring three more goals than they’ve allowed the Eagles are six games above the .500-mark. A big reason for their success can be attributed to their penalty kill, which is working at a league best 86.6 per cent.

Powell River Kings

The Kings have a league best 9-1-1-0 record at home but only a 2-5-1-0 record on the road. If they can pick up a few more points away from Powell River and keep getting the stellar goaltending they’ve been receiving from Jamie Phillips and Sean Maguire, who have allowed a league-low 42 goals in 19 games, they’ll be in business.

Nanaimo Clippers

After a slow start, the Clippers are in the thick of the playoff race after winning seven of their last 10 games. Unlike past years when Nanaimo has picked up most of its points at home, this year it’s the Clippers road record, currently at 7-2-0-2, which has kept them afloat.

Victoria Grizzlies

If you want to see goals, both for and against, the Grizzlies are the team to watch. Victoria has scored 4.00 goals per game, which is the second most in the BCHL, but at the same time have given up 4.22 goals against per game, which is also the second most in the league.

Alberni Valley Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have been one of the streakiest teams in the league this year. They started the season with three wins, then they went six games without a win, then they won five in a row, then they lost three in a row. A win against Langley snapped the latest streak and going into this weekend, it seems a win streak is in order.

Coquitlam Express

Led by Alex Petan, who has 12 goals and 16 assists in 18 games and has 11 more points than his closest teammate, the Express are only four points out of a playoff spot despite a very average 8-8-1-2 record.

Langley Rivermen

With just six wins in their first 19 games, the Rivermen are taking up the cellar in the Coastal Conference. Their 2.05 goals for per game is a league low and with Darnell Dyck leading the team in scoring with just 16 points, Langley has a big hill to climb to get back into the playoff race.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Vernon Vipers were 43 seconds away from a much-needed B.C. Hockey League win.

Instead, they watched in dread as Sean Flanagan forced overtime with a powerplay point shot, followed by first star Devin Muller’s breakaway buzzer beater to give the Salmon Arm SilverBacks a 3-2 decision Friday night at Wesbild Centre.

“I didn’t know I had only 1.8 seconds left,” grinned Muller, a shifty Swiss forward in his second year with Salmon Arm. “I probably wouldn’t have done this move had I seen how much time I had left.”

The Vipers (13-9-0-1), winless in their last five, tangled with the Gorillas (7-12-0-5) Saturday night at the Sunwave Centre.

Despite being short-benched and heavily outplayed in the opening two periods, Salmon Arm came back to snap a four-game skid.

“I feel real good for the guys,” said SilverBacks’ head coach Colin O’Hara. “We don’t deserve to be in the hockey game after the second period with the way we played. We’ll take the two points. We needed it in a real bad way.”

Salmon Arm’s Garrett Hendrickson, with his third goal, opened the scoring on a first-period powerplay, converting a feed from Kody Dhaliwal in front of 1,900 fans.

The goal came just seconds after the Vipers’ Brendan Persley had his backhand attempt denied by Kurt Williams (33 saves) on a shorthanded 2-on-1.

From then on, it seemed like a matter of time before the Vipers would respond. And they did early in the second period, getting two goals just over a minute apart from Darren Nowick, his 16th and 17th of the season.

The Long Beach, Calif. product chipped a rebound over Williams for the first goal at 2:44, and then showed good hands in tight after taking a feed from point man Brett Corkey during a man advantage.

Desperate, and perhaps sensing the Vipers were sitting back a bit in the third, the SilverBacks started pressing. They held Vernon to just two shots in the frame.

“We saw the best of the Vipers in the second period, but they sat on the lead in the third, I thought, and didn’t direct a lot of pucks to the net,” said O’Hara.

Flanagan’s equalizer, his third goal, came with Williams pulled for the extra attacker.

Viper defenceman Geoff Crisfield, who delivered one of the game’s hardest hits, rocking Jeff Kennedy right in front of the Salmon Arm bench, admitted the Vipers let one get away from them.

“It’s disappointing. We carried the play most of the game, but didn’t do what we needed to do in the third period. It came back to bite us in the end,” he said.

SNAKE BITES: A six-pack of Vernon junior A franchise players made the BCHL’s all-time top-50 after thousands of votes were cast during a six-week poll. Wayne Dye, Tom Serviss and Ernie Gare, all of the Vernon Essos, Dallas Drake of the Vernon Lakers, and twins Connor and Kellen Jones of the Vipers all made the cut.

I really like the addition of 18 year old forward, Brendan Persley. I was very impressed with a young 16 yr old Persley at the Vipers training camp two years ago and was dissapointed to see him leave that season. Persley has some size, likes to play physical and adds alot of energy-spark to the Vipers lineup. In both games over the weekend Persley was Vernon's most physical player, played with alot of energy and just added some much needed spark-grit to the Vipers lineup. Welcome back to Vernon Brendan!

With the BCHL card deadline looming on Thursday, December 1st it will be interesting to see what moves-trades Jason Williamson will make. We know that Williamson has to make atleast two moves as we speak with both Patrick McGillis and Luke Juha out of the Vipers lineup. Both players have to be signed once they return from their injuries, this meaning two players will be gone. Im very surprised the Vipers went with such a young team this season. With just three twenty year olds (Patrick McGillis, Darren Nowick and Kirby Halcrow) I was surprised the Vipers didnt have atleast two more veteran twenty year olds to start the season, leaving one twenty year old spot open incase you wanted to add a player later on during the season.

The Vipers havnt been the same team without their captain (Patrick McGillis) out of the lineup. Vernon was 6-0 with McGillis in the lineup and now are 8-11 with out the teams captain. With just three veteran twenty year olds the team is lacking that veteran experience-leadership. The Vipers have lost six straight games now and dont seem to be getting any better. With so many younger kids the Vipers can get away with trading away a few younger kids for a few veteran players. I think the Vipers need to aquire two veteran defenceman, with a young blueline the team can afford to deal two younger kids for two veteran d-men. I also think the team needs a proven goal scorer. The Vipers are relying on the Darren Nowick, John Knisley, Mike Zalewski line. The last month or so this is the line that has been doing all of Vernon's scoring. Once teams start shutting down this line, the Vipers dont have alot of other proven scorers that can contribute with seconday scoring.

On Saturday, for the second straight night, the Salmon Silverbacks won 3-2 in overtime versus the Vernon Vipers.

Again, defenceman Sean Flanagan played a major role, scoring the winner at 1:34 of the first overtime during a 4-on-3 power play. Morgan Zulinick won a faceoff and the ‘Backs controlled the puck in the Viper zone. With one of the three Viper defenders down and out, Flanagan had time in the slot to pick the low corner to Kirby Halcrow’s right with a whistling wrist shot.

Aaron Hadley had tied the game at 11:56 of the third period, also on the power play. Hadley, who was parked in front of Kurt Williams, swept in Mike Zalewski’s centering pass. (The score sheet mistakenly credits Darren Nowick with the assist.) The goal came during the first half of a double minor for high sticking assessed to Shane Hanna. The Vipers were unable to beat Kurt Williams during Hanna’s continued visit to the penalty box.

Williams was the difference in the third as a hard-working, desperate Viper squad pressed for the equalizer. They had 9 scoring chances in the period and 22 overall.

Coach Jason Williamson was pleased with his players’ overall effort, “even though we didn’t get the result we deserved. But that’s the way things go when you’re on a losing streak.”

In part he was referring to a pair of Salmon Arm goals about two minutes apart in the second period. The Vipers were leading 1-0 courtesy of an Adam Tambellini wraparound goal when a Viper giveaway at the Silverback blue line led to a 3-on-1 Silverback break. Shane Hanna finished the play at 11:35 with a nifty backhand.

At 13:24 Garrett Hendrickson shovelled in Kody Dhaliwal rebound and the tide had officially turned. Before the Hanna marker, the Vipers had dominated the second period, but the Silverbacks took heart from their first goal and they took the play to the Vipers for most of the remaining seven minutes of the second period.

However, the Vipers came out flying in the third period and could have had four or five goals on their 10 scoring chances. Again, Kurt Williams was solid between the pipes and the ‘Backs collapsed to the net to prevent second chance goals.

Once again, the Silverbacks were missing five injured regulars, including defencemen James Friedel and Matt Brown. Sean Flanagan made up for their absence by playing well in excess of 30 minutes and making play after play.

The Vipers added Colton Sparrow to their list of walking wounded, so they had four regulars sitting in the stands. Defenceman John Saunders, a call-up from the North Okanagan Knights, played well in his second game with the Vipers. Brendan Persley had another strong game as he filled in for Sparrow on the Tambellini/Hadley line.

The Viper losing streak has now stretched to six games despite what Coach Williamson called a “gutsy, determined effort.”

The Vernon Vipers welcomed back a familiar face Friday night as they hosted the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.

Brendan Persley, who played a handful of games with the Snakes as a 16-year-old in 2009-10, rejoined the B.C. Hockey League team after he parted ways with the WHL Victoria Royals earlier this week.

The Kelowna native displayed the gritty style he is known for, playing effectively on a line with Peter McMullen and Marcus Basara in Friday night’s 3-2 overtime loss.

The six-foot, 195-pounder had a goal and 18 penalty minutes in nine games this season with Victoria. He racked up eight points and 62 penalty minutes in 43 games with the now-defunct Chilliwack Bruins last season.

“As an 18-year-old I wasn’t playing too much and thought it was the right decision to make a move,” said Persley. “I just want to play some good hockey; that’s what I’m excited for.

Added Vernon head coach/GM Jason Williamson: “He’s a guy that makes you harder to play against. He also has some offensive upside and hopefully he can bring that back.”

To make room for Persley, Williamson removed injured defenceman Luke Juha from the roster.

Having made just one deal in the preseason, Williamson has plenty of cards to work with before the Dec. 1 carding deadline, where teams are reduced from 45 to 25 player cards.

But with a full 21-man roster, plus Juha and injured captain Pat McGillis, who is also not on the roster, Williamson will be looking to make a move before the deadline.

“They (players) can read the writing on the wall. I’ve stockpiled some assets and I’m ready to package some guys up.”

Persley is obviously familiar with Williamson from his earlier tenure with the Vipers, but he also has a good rapport with first-year Vipers’ assistant coach Chris Shaw, who coached him with the KIJHL Penticton Lakers.

While disappointed with how his WHL journey ended, Persley credits his time in the league for improving his overall game.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime in front of 1,220 fans at the Sunwave Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Salmon Arm: Kurt Williams

1st Period: Just fourty five seconds into the opening period the Vipers would get the games first powerplay but with just two shots on goal and no real scoring chance the Silverbacks killed off the minor. Kirby Halcrow was then forced to made a nice pad save from in close. Not alot of scoring opportunities at either ends of the rink in a very scrambly game. Salmon Arm would get their first powerplay of the night just before the midway mark, Captain Brett Knowles thought he opened the scoring as the goal light come on but Knowles shot beat Halcrow but went off the post as the Silverbacks with no real chances couldnt capitalize. Brett Knowles would get a good chance in close but couldnt beat Halcrow. A scramble in front of the Vernon net and the puck bouncing around in the crease but the Backs were unalbe to get the puck through a maze of players. Marcus Basara with Vernon's only real good scoring opportunity used his wheels flying down the left wing, cut around his d-man and drove hard towards the net couldnt get the puck past Kurt Williams who stopped Basara and then had to be sharp making two quick back to back saves off the rebound keeping the Vipers off the board. Neither team with any real pressure made for a dull period. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. Shots were even 9-9.

2nd Period: Salmon Arm come out with alot of jump early getting some good pressure inside the Vipers zone but were unable to generate any real good quality chances in the opening few minutes. Shortly after Brett Corkey's shot from the point was re-directed in the slot by Adam Tambellini whos shot just missed the far corner on a great chance by the Vipers. On the same play Tambellini would beat Kurt Williams down low giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 5:12 Tambellini's goal was unassisted. Morgan Zulinick with a great chance to tie the game was setup in front but Zulinick's shot missed the whole open side of the net going through the crease and into the end wall. A Vernon turnover in the neutral zone forced a Salmon Arm odd man rush. Brad Robinson fed Shane Hanna who went in on the parcial breakaway putting a nice move around and past Kirby Halcrow tying the game 1-1 at 11:35 Robinson and Jeff Kennedy picked up the assists. A small delay after the goal as it was the Silverbacks annual teddy bear toss. Just under two minutes later "AP" Bryden Marsh was stopped in close by Halcrow who couldnt stop Garrett Hendrickson on the rebound who put Salmon Arm up 2-1 at 13:24 with Marsh and Kidy Dhaliwal collecting the helpers. Shortly after Darren Nowick from the slot was stopped by Williams. Brendan Persley and Devin Muller exchanged words giving each other a shot before a faceoff got both players penalties. The Vipers with fourteen shots in the 2nd period but most of Vernon's shots were fired right at Kurt Williams who was forced to make the routine save. A very scrambled period with no real flow to tonights game as neither team could get much of anything going. The Silverbacks with a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 14-9.

3rd Period: Salmon Arm carried most of the play early to start the final frame but couldnt generate any real pressure or scoring chances. Mak Barden would get a breakaway five minutes into the 3rd but was stopped by Halcrow who made a nice save keeping his team in the game. Just shortly after the Silverbacks would get a powerplay, some good pressure early setting up Brett Knowles who was stopped by Halcrow. Morgan Zulinick alone in the slot fired high and over the Vernon goal as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Just past the midway mark the Vipers would get a four minute powerplay, Darren Nowick's pass setup Aaron Hadley in front who tied the game 2-2 at 11:56 Nowick and Brett Corkey with the assists. Vernon still on the powerplay lost control of the puck wich allowed a foot race between Brett Knowles and Kirby Halcrow. Halcrow come way out of his net to get the puck clearing the puck right back to Knowles who went around a diving Halcrow before Darren Nowick showed some good hustle getting back into the play and making a diving save to keep the puck out as the Backs come very close to re-taking the lead shorthanded. Kurt Williams took a hard Vernon shot off the mask as Salmon Arm would kill off the minor. The Vipers seem to gain a little momentum and slowly started to come on late in the hockey game. The Vipers who carried the play for most of the remainder of the 3rd had some good pressure deep in the Silverbacks zone. With the clock winding down Max Mowat walked in from the slot ripping a quick shot that beat Williams but hit the post with thirty seconds remaining. The Vipers with some good pressure were the better team in the second half forced overtime for the second straight night. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 13-7.

Overtime: Just eighteen seconds into overtime Geoff Crisfield hauled down Brett Knowles in front giving the Backs an early man advantage. Crisfield saved the game for the Vipers as Knowles would have had a tap in goal if it wasnt for Crisfield taking down the Backs captain. On the powerplay Salmon Arm moved the puck around well, with no shots and already a minute off the clock Morgan Zulinick setup Sean Flanagan who walked in from the point and ripped his shot past Halcrow at 3:34 giving Salmon Arm the 3-2 ot victory for the second straight night. The Vipers bench looked stunned as the team just stood on the bench as nobody moved while the Silverbacks poured onto the ice. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 1-0.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Max Mowat played well on the Vernon backend. I thought Mowat looked good defensively and come very close to winning the game hitting the post with just thirty seconds remaining in the 3rd.

Adam Tambellini (1 goal) Who has been very quiet latley played well in tonights game. Come up with a few scoring plays.

Brendan Persley played fairly well in his second game with the Vipers. Had atleast two good body checks and seemed to add some energy and spark to the Vernon lineup.

Marcus Basara was really skating hard tonight, seemed to play with alot of jump and energy. Really used his speed tonight to generate and create some chances.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

After a tough overtime loss last night I thought the Vipers looked very disorganized out their tonight. A very scrambly game with no real at both ends of the rink. The Vipers just looked lost at times and didnt generate a whole lot of scoring chances. The Viper defence didnt look very good either. I thought the team lacked direction, didnt look like everyone was on the same page at times. The Vipers have no confidence right now and are lacking some veteran experience and leadership. The Vipers are struggling and after a 7-0 start it seems the team hasnt been the same without Patrick McGillis in the lineup. The effort was their but just looked like no real game plan at times. It wasnt until the four minute powerplay when the Vipers tied the game that Vernon finally started to get their game going and carried the better of the play and come up with some good pressure. I didnt think Vernon played all that great until the final eight minutes or so. Most of the Viper shots were fired right at Kurt Williams who saw most of Vernon's shots. Vernon with now six straight losses has a tough week-weekend coming up with a re-match vs Penticton and then a home and home vs a strong Cents team that is playing their best hockey of the season. Its been so long I cant remember the last time a Vernon team lost six straight. This week-weekend will be a tough test for the club playing two tough teams in Penticton and Merritt.

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Brendan Kennedy and Bennett Hambrook both played well defensively. Hambrook a former Viper d-man made atleast two big shot blocks and looked very good on the Backs blueline.

Morgan Zulinick (1 assist) Played very well tonight for Salmon Arm. Zulinick with some good opportunities was good with and without the puck.

Sean Flanagan (OT Winner) Played very well on the Silverbacks backend. Saw alot of icetime tonight.

Kody Dhaliwal (1 assist) Played with alot of energy, worked hard and showed lots of hustle. Went into the corners and played a very gritty game. Dhaliwal took a check in the Salmon Arm zone in the 3rd and was slow to get to the bench. I dont recall seeing him for the remainder of the game and overtime.

Brett Knowles had atleast three good chances tonight. Played another good game for the Backs.

This was a tough game to get any kind of read on either team as alot of scrambly play at both ends of the rink. Salmon Arm didnt really get alot of pressure on the Vipers. Not alot of scoring chances from both teams. Give the Silverbacks credit for two pretty big back to back OT wins over Vernon. I thought the Silverbacks did a pretty good job at keeping the Vipers to the outside and allowing Kurt Williams to see most of the Vernon shots.

Devin Muller’s breakaway goal with 1.8 seconds remaining in overtime gave the visiting Salmon Silverbacks a 3-2 decision over the Vernon Vipers on Friday.

Coming in to the game, both teams had lost four straight and they each displayed a sense of urgency in a hard-hitting affair. The Vipers were credited with 44 hits in the contest while the Silverbacks registered 32.

The Vipers’ aggressive style resulted in six Salmon Arm power plays and the ‘Backs capitalized on two of them.

The first came at 7:58 of the first period. Newly acquired Garrett Hendrickson went hard to the net and was rewarded when the puck landed on his stick after a Kody Dhaliwal shot took a favourable bounce off a player in front.

The second goal came late in regulation. Playing six on four with their net empty, the Silverbacks outmanned the Vipers in front of goal. Sean Flanagan’s point shot found its way through a maze of players and beat Kirby Halcrow low, just inside his left post.

The goal seemed almost inevitable as the Vipers sat on a lead in the third period and the Silverbacks pressed for the equalizer. They out shot the Vipers 9-2 in that period. Emboldened, they matched the Vipers chance for chance in overtime, and won the game when Brendan Kennedy’s stretch pass found Muller streaking down the left wing.

However, it had been a different story in the first two periods as the Vipers took a 2-1 lead while creating 16 scoring chances compared to just 6 Silverback chances. The shots favoured the Vipers, 30 to 15, in the opening 40 minutes.

Darren Nowick, the best player on the ice, had a strong two-way game. He notched both Viper goals, in a span of 1:07 in the second period.

He tied the game at 2:44 when he swooped in to tuck home a Mike Zalewski rebound. The he put the Vipers ahead at 3:51, coming out of a pack of players to the right of goalie Kurt Williams. Nowick made a slick move to beat a defender 10 feet from goal and then slid a low shot inside the right post.

Both teams played shorthanded. Salmon Arm has five players in the sick bay, so they dressed 5 defencemen and 11 forwards. The Vipers were without Luke Juha, Ryan Renz, and Patrick McGillis, so they went with 5 defencemen.

Brendan Persley, who was assigned to the Vipers by the WHL’s Victoria Royals, played his first game in a Vernon uniform since the 2009-10 season. His physical presence was felt and he was named the Viper “Energy Player of the Game.”

Tonight is the second game of a home and home series between these two teams. The Vipers make their second visit of the season to the Sunwave Centre after a 3-2 overtime loss last night giving the team five straight losses. Tonight is also Vernon's first game of a mini two game road trip. The Vipers have lost three straight away from home and are just 6-6 on the road this season.

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks picked up just their seventh win of the season last night face the Vipers for a second straight night tonight on home ice. Salmon Arm snapping a four game losing skid with the victory last night have three out of their last four wins on home ice. Salmon Arm will get ready for a trip to the Island next weekend after a date with the Vipers tonight.

Five former Vernon Junior hockey players were listed in the BCHL's top fifty players. Wayne Dye from the 1967-68 Vernon Essos, Tom Serviss from the same 1967-68 Vernon Essos, Dallas Drake from the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers & Kellen & Connor Jones from the 2008-2010 Vernon Vipers.

Top 50 players named after thousands of fan votes cast

Friday, November 25, 2011 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Thousands of votes were submitted and the results are now in from fan voting for the BCHL's top-50 players.

Friday, November 25, 2011

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime in front of 1,886 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Salmon Arm: Kurt Williams

1st Period: Just fifty one seconds into the opening period the Salmon Arm Silverbacks would get the games first powerplay. A solid penalty kill by the Vipers only allowed one shot that by Backs captain, Brett Knowles who was stopped after Kirby Halcrow made a nice glove save as the Vipers killed off the minor. The play was fairly even for the next five minutes as both teams went back and forth. The Vernon Vipers would get their first opportunity of the night after Colton Sparrow from behind the net setup Aaron Hadley at the side of the crease but couldnt beat Kurt Williams who come across getting his upper body in the way to make the save. Salmon Arm would get a second powerplay but it was Vernon who would come up with the scoring chance after Marcus Basara setup Viper newcomer, Brendan Persley who made his Vipers debut tonight. Persley in close made a nice move but was stopped after Williams made a nice pad save down low. Brett Knowles with his second opportunity of the night couldnt connect on a pass that came through the slot. Still on the man advantage, Garrett Hendrickson got a lucky bounce after the puck went off a player in front before Hendrickson would collect the bouncing puck and beat Halcrow giving the Backs a 1-0 lead at 7:58 Dhaliwal picked up the lone assist on the powerplay goal. The Vipers slowly started to carry the better of the play in the second half of the opening period. Kurt Williams come out to challenge making a nice save off Alex Hagen from the circle, Williams who played very well in the 1st gave his team a chance to win tonight. Vernon who looked and played much better tonight seemed to be skating and playing with alot more jump after a 6-1 loss to Penticton Wednesday. The Vipers with several good scoring opportunities couldnt capitalize were down 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers played very well in the opening period outshooting Salmon Arm 12-7.

2nd Period: The Silverbacks would get a powerplay just thirty three seconds into the period couldnt generate much offence after a solid Viper penalty kill. Just as the penalty expired Vernon with a nice long stretch pass found Mike Zalewski coming out of the penalty box, Zalewski carried the puck in over the Backs blueline cut hard towards the net before leaving the puck for Darren Nowick who tipped the puck in and past Williams tying the game 1-1 at 2:44 on a nice little give and go between Nowick and Zalewski. Zalewski and John Knisley with the helpers. Just after the goal the Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night. The Vipers would capitalize scoring back to back goals just over a minute apart after Mike Zalewski setup Darren Nowick at 3:51 for his second goal of the evening giving Vernon a 2-1 lead. Zalewski and Brett Corkey with the assists. Salmon Arm would jump back on another powerplay just a few minutes later couldnt capitalize after another solid Vernon penalty kill. Tempers heated just before the midway mark after Geoff Crisfield with a big check on Jeff Kennedy. The Silverbacks tried coming right back laying out atleast two big checks of their own before both teams gathered near center ice where some pushing and shoving occured. Both hockey clubs showing some emotion after a few big hits. The Vipers would get just their second man advantage at the midway mark and looked very good with the powerplay. The Vipers with a nice three way passing play couldnt finish, then Brett Corkey's point shot got through traffic but Vernon couldnt bury the puck on the rebound in the crease. Adam Tambellini alone in the circle just missed the top corner on a great chance. The Vipers looked very good with the man advantage but again couldnt capitalize on their chances as the Silverbacks would kill off the minor. Just shortly after Peter McMullen walked through the slot but was stopped by Kurt Williams. Just like the 1st period Vernon started to carry the better of the play and was the better of the two teams in the second half. Alex Hagen couldnt get the puck past Williams who played well between the pipes. Salmon Arm didnt generate alot of offence in the 2nd period recording just eight shots and only mustered two shots in the final seven minutes of play. Brendan Persley played with alot of energy also was the Vipers most physical player laying out some solid checks in the middle frame. The Vipers would get a late powerplay wich would carry over into the 3rd. Brett Knowles shorthanded couldnt connect or catch up to a loose puck in the dying few seconds as Knowles was very close to gettingt a breakaway. Vernon with two quick back to back goals early to start the 2nd were up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers were the better of the two teams outshooting the Backs 18-8.

3rd Period: Vernon with fifty four seconds left with a man advantage couldnt grab an early two goal lead. Mike Zalewski from the slot missed the net on a chance where you have to atleast make the goaltender try and make a save. Zalewski has to hit the net from this spot. Peter McMullen with a good chance was stopped by Kurt Williams as Salmon Arms penalty kill was very good killing off the minor. The Vipers with already two defenceman out of the lineup with injuries got a bit of a scare in the 3rd after Max Mowat took a knee-leg to the head from one of his own players in behind Kirby Halcrow. Mowat with a bit of a bloody nose went to the bench but stayed in the hockey game. The Silverbacks got off to a good start playing with lots of jump played their best period of the night. The Backs with an early powerplay come very close to tying the game after former Penticton Vees forward, Myles McCauley beat Halcrow but hit the post. The Vipers would excape and kill off the penalty. Devin Muller with a chance couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow. Salmon Arm with some good pressure at times didnt generate alot of chances in the 3rd. The play became scrambly at times in the first half as Vernon with just one shot in the first ten minutes of play. Vernon would get another shot with the man advantage but a solid penalty kill by the Salmon Arm Silverbacks were playing a tight defensive period. Late in the game Garrett Hendrickson's shot from the side wall caught Kirby Halcrow napping or off gaurd as Hendrickson's long shot went high in the air before ringing square off the crossbar as Salmon Arm come very close to tying the game. The Backs would get Kurt Williams to the bench for the extra attacker with about 1:30 remaining before the Silverbacks would get a late powerplay. A strong penalty kill early kept the Silverbacks to the outside before Salmon Arm moved the puck around the box setting up Sean Flanagan's point shot that beat Halcrow at 18:17 tying the game forcing overtime. The Silverbacks worked very hard, played a solid defensive game forced overtime. The Backs outshot the Vipers 9-2.

Overtime: Garrett Hendrickson and Darren Nowick both with chances in the extra period couldnt end the hockey game. Failry even play in overtime you knew one teams four game losing streak would come to an end and tonight it was the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Brendan Kennedy with a long pass found Devin Muller who broke through the Vernon defence going in for the breakaway beating Kirby Halcrow at 4:58 sending the Backs bench leaping over the boards in a huge celebration as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime for their first win of the season over the Vipers. Shots were even 3-3.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey (1 assist) Played well on the Vipers blueline. Corkey jumped up into the rush on several occasions played well at both ends of the rink.

Riley Hunt played with alot of energy, showed lots of jump in his game. Wasnt afraid to get involved in a few scrums after the whistle. Really skated and worked hard this evening.

The line of John Knisley (1 assist), Mike Zalewski (2 assists) and Darren Nowick (2 goals) was Vernon's best unit. Zalewski and Nowick both were skating hard and come up with some real good chances through out tonights game.

Colton Sparrow was another player that worked hard, battled and competed. Sparrow did all the dirty work down low, in and around the net working hard and battling for the puck.

Brendan Persley made his Vipers debut tonight after beinf released from the WHL Victoria Royals this week. Persley who started the 2009-10 season in Vernon left for the WHL Chilliwack Bruins. The Kelowna native was very impressive named the Vipers energy player of the game. Was Vernon's most physical player laying out some big checks through out tonights game. Played with alot of jump and energy adding some spark to the Vipers lineup.

Geoff Crisfield played very well on the Vipers backend. Played physical, was very strong defensively.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers who are now 2-1 against Salmon Arm this season have now lost five straight games. I thought Vernon deserved a better fait after being the better of the two teams for the first two periods. After a pretty disapointing 6-1 loss vs Penticton Wednesday I thought the Vipers come out ready to play tonight, they skated hard, played with some jump and had some real good chances in the first two periods but couldnt capitalize. I thought the Vipers did alot of good things tonight. Vernon was fourty three seconds away from a win but gave up the game tying goal before falling in OT. A tough loss but a great chance for redemption with a re-match tomorrow night in Salmon Arm. I cant remember the last time a Vernon team lost five in a row?

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Brendan Kennedy (1 assist) Played very well on the Backs blueline. Kennedy was one of Salmon Arms better d-men tonight. Really sees and reads the ice well, made a nice stretch pass to find Devin Muller wich setup the OT winner.

Brett Knowles who usally always plays well or has big games vs Vernon played well. Had atleast two maybe three scoring opportunities but couldnt capitalize.

Garrett Hendrickson (1 goal) Was one of the Silverbacks better forwards tonight opening the scoring on the man advantage. A good skater that moves the puck well and also sees the ice well.

Devin Muller (Overtime Winner) Was also very good up front for Salmon Arm. Come up with a few good scoring chances. Can be dangerous with the puck.

Kurt Williams (33 saves) Made some key saves in the opening period keeping the score 1-0. Williams who played well positionally gave his club a chance to win. Made a few big saves in the 2nd period keeping it a one goal game.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

The Silverbacks who snapped a four game losing streak hung on at times through the 1st and 2nd periods before really stepping up their game in the 3rd and playing their best hockey of the night. The Backs who gave up several scoring chances in the first two periods relid on their goaltender to bail them out. Give credit to Salmon Arm who didnt quit and battled hard in the 3rd to tie the game before winning it in overtime. I thought the Silverbacks defence played very well in the 3rd shutting down the Vipers offence giving up just two Vernon shots. Salmon Arm really limited Vernon's scoring chances in the 3rd. For a team that has struggled all season picked up a huge win in the first of a home and home series. Overall a pretty good hockey game. The Backs with a short bench had four regulars out of the lineup.

Steve Maxnuk who is filling in for Don Klepp interviews Vernon Vipers defenceman, Geoff Crisfield who was named the Vipers energy player of the game in a 6-1 loss to the visiting Penticton Vees Wednesday night.

http://www.oursportscentral.com/ reported Wednesday that the WHL Victoria Royals have re-assigned former Vernon Vipers forward, Brendan Persley to Junior A. Greg Drinnan's blog reported today that the Royals released Persley who missed training camp and the start of the season with mononucleosis. Well today Persley is listed on the Vipers roster. Defenceman, Luke Juha is no longer listed on the Vipers roster. In nine games with the Royals this season, Persley has just one goal. Persley played eight games with the Vernon Vipers during the 2009-10 season left Vernon for the WHL Chilliwack Bruins.

Tonight starts the Vipers Annual Parents weekend with a home and home series with the 6th place Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Vipers who are 2-0 against the Backs this season are riding a four game losing streak two points back of 2nd place Merritt and just a single point up on 4th place Chilliwack and Prince George. Vernon has just four wins in its last ten games after starting the season 7-0.

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks make just their second trip of the season to Vernon after a 3-0 loss to PG Sunday. The Backs play four of their next five away from home where they have struggled this season. After a three game winning streak Salmon Arm has lost four straight.

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.